The irresponsible disposal and management of waste can severely impact the environment. Besides the potential impacts on soil, water, and biodiversity, it also negatively affects a business’s carbon footprint. By focusing on the four cornerstones of the environment, the SIZA Environmental standard creates balance and ensures responsible and efficient waste management. As the standard is developed to manage environmental risk and drive efficiency, it is a minimum requirement that management is in possession of a detailed waste management plan which includes the identification of all waste streams and types on the property (e.g., reusable, recyclable, general, and hazardous waste), as well as how each waste type is managed.
As waste production and the management thereof form part of a business’s key performance indicators (KPIs), it is essential that its waste footprint is monitored using metric data. Management should implement a recordkeeping system to quantify the business’s waste production and the effectiveness of current reduce, reuse, and recycling practices. Not only will this provide management with a better understanding of the site’s waste footprint, but it will also positively contribute to reducing its carbon emissions.
